The incredible journey of British Columbia’s Junior Girls National Squash Team, comprising Ocean Ma, Spring Ma, Maria Min, and Hermione Cao, continues to make history. The team has been named a finalist for the Sport BC’s prestigious Team of the Year Award. This recognition is a testament to their unparalleled achievements and dedication to the sport.

A Historic Journey

The four BC athletes have dominated the junior squash scene, securing major victories throughout the 2024 season. Following an amazing 2023 Canada Winter Games, where the 4 team members swept both team gold medals they continued their success into the 2024 season. Their crowning achievement came in Houston, Texas, where they delivered Canada’s first ever medal in the World Junior Team Championships, finishing third overall. Their team successes include: 

  • 2024 World Junior Team Championships – Bronze Medal
  • 2023 Canada Winter Game – Gold Medal 

Beyond their team success, the team’s national rankings and results reflect their individual dominance:

  • Ocean Ma – Ranked #1 in Canada, BC Junior Girls, and #1 BC Women’s rankings. Ocean currently plays on the Women’s Squash Varsity Team at Harvard University. 
  • Spring Ma – Ranked #2 in Canada, BC Junior Girls, and #2 in BC Women’s rankings. Spring currently plays on the Women’s Squash Varsity Team at Yale University. 
  • Maria Min – Ranked #3 in Canada, BC Junior Girls, and #4 in BC Women’s rankings. Maria currently plays on the Women’s Squash Varsity Team at the University of Virginia. 
  • Hermione Cao – Ranked #4 in Canada, BC Junior Girls, and #8 in BC Women’s rankings. Hermione currently plays on the Women’s Squash Varsity Team at Princeton University. 

Leaders On and Off the Court

Their excellence isn’t limited to competition. Ocean and Spring Ma have demonstrated their commitment to growing the sport by raising over $3,000 for Squash BC’s Squashing Barriers campaign through the Sunshine Squash Club. Their dedication to fostering the next generation of squash players exemplifies their leadership and passion for the sport.

Their impact was further recognized with the 2024 Squash BC Massy Goolden Award, an honour that celebrates junior players who excel athletically while embodying true sportsmanship.  As a team, they not only represent the future of Canadian squash but also exemplify the qualities of perseverance, skill, and sportsmanship, making them deserving of an award that honours both individual and collective contributions to the game.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

As finalists for Sport BC’s Team of the Year, Ocean, Spring, Maria, and Hermione stand alongside the UBC Women’s Soccer Team and the UVIC Women’s Field Hockey Team. Their journey is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and an unbreakable team spirit. Whether on the world stage or within their local squash communities, they continue to inspire young athletes and pave the way for future Canadian squash stars.

Congratulations to Ocean, Spring, Maria, and Hermione on this incredible achievement and Good Luck! The 57th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards is March 6, when the winners will be announced!